How Does LendingTree Get Paid?
LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
|
Advertising Disclosure
LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).

Advertising Disclosure

LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).
|
American Express Disclosure
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

American Express Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Sam's Club Mastercard Review

Updated on:
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
LendingTree's Review

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
1.3
Sam's Club Mastercard
Sign-up bonus
Limited time! Get a $50 statement credit when you open a new account and make $50 in Sam’s Club purchases within 30 days
Rewards rate
5% cash back on gas (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% back on dining, 1% back on other purchases
Annual fee
$0
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It was not reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.
Citi is an advertising partner.

Key takeaway

The Sam's Club Mastercard is best for card-carrying Sam’s Club Plus members who regularly do the bulk of their shopping at Sam’s Club. It may be a worthwhile card for Sam’s Club members who fill up on fuel at Sam’s Club. Otherwise, it’s a card that has limited perks.

Pros and cons

  • Elevated rewards for Sam’s Club Plus members
  • Excellent cash back rewards on gas and restaurant purchases
  • Accepted nationwide
  • $0 annual fee
  • Convenient app
  • Must be a Sam’s Club member
  • Low sign-up bonus
  • Best rewards rate is only available to Sam’s Club Plus members

Is the Sam's Club Mastercard worth it?

With a $0-annual-fee, the Sam's Club Mastercard is a solid, low-cost cash back credit card. Since it’s only available to Sam’s Club members, you’ll first have to pay a membership fee of $50 for basic membership or $110 for Sam’s Club Plus.

The elevated cash back rewards on gas, dining and travel are available to cardholders of either membership level, but only Sam’s Club Plus members get extra cash back on Sam’s Club purchases. Because of the cost associated with membership, this card is only worth considering if you already receive value from your membership and plan on keeping it.

Quick facts

    • No annual fee
    • Annual cash back payout capped at $5,000
    • Doubles as your membership card
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
  • Rewards: 5% cash back on gas (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% back on dining, 1% back on other purchases
  • Annual fee: $0 (you do have to be a Sam’s Club member)
  • As a Mastercard, the Sam's Club Mastercard is widely accepted

Intro Purchase APR

N/A

Regular Purchase APR

20.90% or 28.90%

Intro BT APR

N/A

Regular BT APR

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Cash Advance Fee

N/A

Foreign Transaction Fee

3%

Balance Transfer Fee

$10 or 4% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater

What we like about the Sam's Club Mastercard

When you use your Sam's Club Mastercard you’ll earn 5% cash back on gas (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% back on dining, 1% back on other purchases. This is an exceptionally high rate for gas and EV purchases that’s hard to beat when it comes to other gas credit cards. You’ll also receive a higher-than-average rate of cash back at restaurants.

  • Sam’s Club Plus members earn bonus cash back

    Deciding to apply for the Sam's Club Mastercard may come down to whether you’re a Club or Plus member:

    • Regular Club members: Earn 1% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases
    • Sam’s Club Plus members: Earn 3% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases
    Sam’s Club Plus members earn 2% cash back on eligible in-club purchases as a benefit of their membership (with a limit of $500 in rewards per 12-month membership period). In combination with the Sam’s Club Mastercard‘s rewards, Sam’s Club Plus members can earn 5% cash back at Sam’s Club until they hit the limit each year.

    Very few credit cards give bonus earnings at warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club. The 3% that Plus members earn on Sam’s Club purchases is better than you’ll find with most other cards. And as a Plus member, you already earn 2% on club purchases.

    However, it costs $110 to be a Sam’s Club Plus member, so you’ll need to do a lot of shopping at Sam’s Club, roughly $2,220, to make the additional rewards cover the membership fee.

  • Credit card doubles as your membership card

    Since the Sam's Club Mastercard is only available to club members, it doubles as your membership card, meaning one less card to keep in your wallet if you’re not using the mobile app.

  • Convenient app holds your membership and credit card information

    Those who prefer to keep everything stored on their phone will find the Sam’s Club app useful. Not only can you pull up your membership card from the app, you can store your Sam's Club Mastercard to make the check out line faster and easier.

    Pro tip: Use the scan-and-go feature to scan items as you place them in your cart. When you get to the checkout line, tap the payment button to pay with your card and proceed to the exit without having to wait in line or scan your items at self-checkout.

What to look out for with the Sam's Club Mastercard

  • Subpar sign-up bonus

    While a $30 cash back on a $30 minimum purchase is an easy and useful sign-up bonus, it’s extremely low compared to the Citi Custom Cash® Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card which offer larger sign-up bonuses that are relatively easy to meet.

  • Available to Sam’s Club members only

    In order to apply for a Sam's Club Mastercard you need to have a current paid Sam’s Club membership. There are two levels: Club is $50 per year and Plus is $110. While there is no annual fee to this credit card, your membership is essentially a fee that needs to be paid to keep the Sam's Club Mastercard.

  • Underwhelming rewards for regular club members

    Cardholders who are regular Sam’s Club members only receive 1% cash back on their Sam’s Club purchases, which pales in comparison to Plus members. While you’ll still get an exceptional rate on gas and restaurant purchases with this card, regular Sam’s members might consider a card that gives a higher rewards rate on in-store purchases. For instance, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card gives you 2% cash back at warehouse clubs like Sam’s.

  • Restrictions on redeeming cash back

    Until recently, rewards earned with the Sam's Club Mastercard were issued just once a year. Fortunately this has changed and rewards are now issued within one to two months after earning them. However, there are still some serious restrictions on redemption:

    • If you cancel your membership before you receive and redeem your rewards, you can potentially lose them.
    • Rewards can only be redeemed for purchases at Sam’s Club, to pay your membership fees or as cash back. If you opt for the cash back, you’ll need to visit a Sam’s Club location in person to request the funds.
    • Finally, there’s a limit to how much cash back you can earn in a year: $5,000. You’d have to charge $100,000 to your card at the 1% rewards rate to earn that much. So while your household spending may not be that high, business owners who take advantage of the bulk pricing at Sam’s Club may be better off with a business credit card that doesn’t cap their rewards earning potential.

Alternate cards to the Sam's Club Mastercard

Sam's Club Mastercard vs. Citi Custom Cash® Card

| Disclosures
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi Custom Cash® Card
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site
Rates & Fees
0% intro APR for 15 months on Purchases
18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
$0
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
660 720 850
Good / Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


 
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a $0-annual-fee card that lets you earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.

It’s a great dedicated grocery card for families who spend around $500 per month on groceries. Furthermore, the rewards are more flexible and you’ll enjoy a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Sam's Club Mastercard vs. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

| Disclosures
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
| Terms Apply
0% on purchases for 12 months
18.49%-29.49% Variable
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Earn 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.49% - 29.49%.
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
  • 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
  • Terms Apply.
660 720 850
Good / Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


 
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers a higher rate of cash back on groceries, no membership required. You’ll earn 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

There is a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. But the rewards you earn for U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas purchases can easily offset the annual fee.

*To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

Sam's Club Mastercard vs. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

| Disclosures
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card*
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Review Coming Soon
N/A
28.74% variable
$0
Earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined
  • Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice each month
  • Secure a credit limit up to $5,000
  • Periodic account reviews to have your security deposit refunded
  • Free monthly FICO® Score
300 600
Limited / Poor
*The information related to the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


 
For Sam’s Club members who also buy groceries elsewhere, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is a solid choice for a $0-annual-fee rewards card. It lets you 3% cash back in the category of your choice. 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases. 1% cash back on all other purchases.

It also comes with a solid welcome offer and an intro APR offer on new purchases and balance transfers.

Should you apply for the Sam's Club Mastercard?

The Sam's Club Mastercard makes the most sense for people who are already Sam’s Club Plus members and spend a lot of money there. If a Sam’s Club membership isn’t worth it for your specific spending situation, the Sam's Club Mastercard likely won’t make sense either.

For occasional Sam’s Club shoppers, using a card that has a high earning rate on all purchases may be the better option.

To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:

The information related to the Sam's Club Mastercard and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.